DB4000

FM Radio Monitoring Receiver

Cost-effective and Total Control Exercising

DEVA’s DB4000 is a superb control system for the permanent monitoring of the quality and continuity of up to 50 FM radio stations. This device enables you to observe the condition of your own frequency, and, at the same time, that of your competitors’ stations.

The accompanying DB4000 Device Manager software provides full control over an unlimited number of field-installed units, allowing remote observation of all parameters and measurement values of your network. Together with the included RDS decoding software, the DB4000 Device Manager can provide detailed playlist reports of the artist and the song title information for any station that is broadcasting Radio Text. The DB4000 Device Manager also is a total control solution for remote monitoring networks.

The DB4000 allows remote monitoring of all RDS/RBDS and other signal parameters via supporting TCP/IP and GSM Connectivity (optional). In addition, the DB4000 offers a built-in SNMP Agent.

Cost-effective and Total Control Exercising
  • FM Band 87 - 108 MHz Basic Spectrum Analyzer
  • TCP/IP Remote management and control via Internet
  • Built-in Stereo Decoder; Stereo Presence Detection
  • LEFT and RIGHT demodulated audio level meters
  • Accurate front-panel metering for local use
  • RDS and RBDS decoder with BER meter
  • 19'' Professional Case for high RF immunity
  • Selectable wide/narrow IF bandwidth
  • MPX, PILOT & RDS deviation meters
  • Very Intuitive Application Interface
  • Alarm dispatch via E-mail and/or SMS
  • Complete status reporting with SMS
  • RF and RDS Measurements
  • Remote Listening via optional GSM modem
  • Optional Audio Program MP3 Streaming
  • Archived readings for unlimited time
  • Headphones audio output
  • Alarm centralization
  • Cartographic interface with site location
  • Remote Site configuration
  • Separate Database for each site

DB4000 is the most cost-effective unit for permanent monitoring of the quality and continuity of up to 50 FM Radio Stations with innovative features such as TCP/IP connectivity, audio streaming and automatic alerts on predefined ranges in regards with the ITU-R. In case of any faults in the transmission the maintenance staff will be immediately alerted via E-mail or SMS which signals the technicians to restore the normal service as soon as possible. This tool enhances the radio stations' quality control management.

Through its TCP/IP and GSM (optional external GSM Modem) Connectivity DB4000 allows you to monitor all the RDS/RBDS and some other signal parameters from anywhere. You can easily receive the channel status or listen to the audio from anywhere, using your mobile phone. With the external Audio Stream Server option you can even listen to, skim through and record the audio from any station.

DB4000 enables you to monitor your own frequency continuously and at the same time keeps you informed about your neighbouring stations. The included PC software 'DB4000 Device Manager' gives you control over unlimited number of field-installed units, and allows you to observe from the monitoring sites all the parameters and measurement values of your network. 'DB4000 Device Manager' is a total control solution for remote monitoring networks. The map interface enables getting immediate and clear view of the monitoring location or to the whole network. Due to the universal cartographic interface any kind of maps can be used. When using the map interface the user is allowed, by a flashing red light, to see quickly which site has an alarm on it. He can access the equipment and the alarm directly from this map with just a click on the desired location.

FM Receiver
Frequency range87.0 to 108.0 MHz
Step increment50 KHz
RDS sensitivity0 error at Vrf=-90dBµV, 4KHz RDS deviation, no modulation
RF level evaluation± 4dB from 20°C to 30°C, 20 to 60dBµV without modulation
S/N60dB
Dynamic0 to 90dBµV; 20 dBµV (-87 dBm) for monaural; 43.5 dBµV (-63.5 dBm) for stereo
Audio, MPX, Pilot, RDS levels
Measurement validityRF level preferably > 50dBµV
Multiplex levelPeak level displayed, 1000 samples over 1 second
Audio levelPeak level displayed, 1000 samples over 1 second
Pilot levelMean peak level, 1000 samples over 1 second
RDS levelMean peak level, 1000 samples over 1 second
Accuracy
MPX Deviation± 10%, ± 5% typically
Audio Level± 5%
Sub-Carrier Level± 10% typical and not guaranteed
FM Antenna Input
Connector'BNC' on rear panel
Impedance50 Ω
External AttenuatorNo
Stereo Decoding
Stereo Separation>40dB
De-emphasis50 or 75µs, Selectable
Audio Frequency Response±0.5dB, 20 Hz to 15 kHz; follows selected de-emphasis curve
Typical Separationapproximately 26dB to 35dB
RDS Data Decoding
StandardsEuropean RDS CENELEC; United States RBDS NRSC
Error CorrectionYes
Error countingYes
AF decodingYes
CT (Time/Date)Yes
PI, PTY, DI, MSYes
TA/TPYes
RT (Radio Text)Yes
PS (Program Service name)Yes
Measurement Storage
Storage2GB Built in Memory Card
Data formatsTextual and proprietary
User interface
Indicators4 LEDs and Navigation Buttons (on front panel)
Headphone output1/8" (3.5mm) phone jack (on rear panel)
DisplaySuperb 2x40 characters, LCD
Operating conditions
Equipment operational between10° to 60°C
EMC immunity6V/m
Front Panel's Headphones Output
ConnectorStereo, 1/8" (3.5mm) phone jack
VolumeFixed
TCP/IP Communication
TypeRJ45 Ethernet 10/100M Base-T Port
ConnectorRJ45, rear panel
Power
Voltage110/220 V (internal switch)
ConnectorIEC320, rear panel
Size and Weight
Dimensions (W;H;D)485 x 44 x 180 mm
Shipping Weight540 x 115 x 300 mm / 4.020 kg
HS Code8527212000
Frequently Asked Questions
  • How can I use the built-in SNMP agent?
    The built-in SNMP agent offers another way to get access to the most important device settings and measured values, and on the other hand makes possible that the device send alarm messages in the form of SNMP Traps. All of the variables and traps are described in standardized manner in the DB4000.mib file, which is used by the SNMP manager. The corresponding MIB file is available at download section.
    A more convenient way to view and test the SNMP functionality of the device is to use some SNMP manager software (see the screenshot attached).
    Click to Enlarge
    The SNMP connection to the device is concurrent with the TCP/IP connection using DB4000 Device Manager (read more under the section "Operating Modes" of DB4000 User Manual).
  • Can I receive via SNMP the measured values of the stations logged?
    SNMP might be used to do(view) device settings and to see the parameters (measurements) of currently set tuner frequency. SNMP does not provide an opportunity to get any logged data in log files. FTP protocol should be used for this purpose.
  • The GSM modem fails to send an alarm dispatch report. What could be the problem?
    Via the DB4000 Device Manager Software check whether the following settings are applied:
    1. Check if the SMS notifications for the channels (for each of them) you expect to send alarms are permitted (as depicted below).
    Click to Enlarge
    2. Check if the sending of SMS is allowed in general (as depicted below).
    Click to Enlarge
  • What is the meaning of the error codes visible on the display? 
    ERROR # 10   Fail to init pilot filter.
    Failed to initialize the hardware of the pilot tone signal’s filter.

    ERROR # 20   Fail to init RDS decoder.
    Failed to initialize the hardware of the RDS decoder.

    ERROR # 100  EEPROM fail.
    Error initializing EEPROM, invalid data in EEPROM.

    ERROR # 200  Fail to set device configurations.
    General error in initializing the device.

    ERROR # 300  Fail to init file system.
    Failed to initialize the file system.

    ERROR # 3XX  File system I/O error.
    Input/Output error in work with files. Marked with XX: the returned by the file system error code.

    ERROR # 400  Fail to init FM tuner.
    Error initializing the FM tuner. Lack of "PLL Lock".

    NOTE: The above codes are visible on the LCD display. Error in initializing the display itself is indicated by three long sound signals.
DB4000's Software with Demo Devices

Download DB4000's Demo Software with predefined Demo Units and examine the features available.
* * * * *
Features and Usage of the DB4000 with a GSM Option activated
The DB4000 FM Monitoring receiver supports a very wide range of GSM Modems. We recommend the use of Wavecom Fastrack Supreme GSM Modem - the one that DEVA Broadcast Ltd. will provide in case you order this feature. This model is directly PIN to PIN compatible with DB4000 GSM Modem's connector. Using a direct cable, you will not have any troubles with the data communication and audio insertion. Before connecting the GSM Modem to DB4000 it is necessary to set up the parameters for normal operation first because of the following reasons:
- the GSM modem doesn’t have an automatic detection of the baud rate (AUTO BAUD function). Most importantly, you should set up the GSM Modem communication settings. The Communication speed must be 9600 bps, Data Bits: 8; Parity: None; Stop Bits:1.
- The SIM Card PIN code has to be disabled in order to avoid a configuration problem of the modem. We suggest that you follow this procedure via any GSM phone device. This will save you a lot of time reading the GSM Modem documentation. In case you decide to follow this procedure, using the GSM Modem, please refer to its User Manual for more details.

FEATURES:
After installing the GSM Modem, the DB4000 device must be configured to accept calls from up to 3 specified number(s). After the successful installation, some notification messages will appear on the unit's LCD screen. Following the information from this screen you can find the place with the best GSM Network coverage for installing the GSM modem.


The most useful function that this option allows is the receiving, in case of any trouble, of SMS notifications for the channels monitored. If any of the observed parameters, of the preliminary assigned channels goes out of limits, you or the responsible staff will be immediately notified. A similar notification will be sent to you immediately after the parameter falls into its normal ranges again.
Another very useful feature is the remote audio listening from any frequency via DB4000. This feature is also available for up to 3 preliminary specified for DB4000 device numbers. After sending an SMS with the text "Listen 101.80" to the device, DB4000 will dial the number that has sent this request and will stream out the audio received on this frequency.

Please, find bellow examples and pictures for the proper use of the DB4000 with the GSM Modem feature:

REMOTE STATUS REQUEST:
DB4000 can send you a report with the values of the most important FM Parameters such as: RF level, MPX Level, Pilot Level, RDS Level, Left Channel Audio Level, Right Channel Audio Level, Stereo/Mono Status and RDS PI Code at any time. After receiving your request via an SMS, the DB4000 tuner will be adjusted on the requested frequency and will make measurements for all of the mentioned parameters. After following this procedure, an SMS message will be generated and sent back to the GSM number that was requiring "Status Report".

'Status Request' Command Format:
Status FFF.FF
Where FFF.FF is the frequency to Tune.
For example: "Status 102.55" or "Status 88.80".

Important:
Do not include leading zeroes such as "Listen 089.90"
Fill in with trailing zeroes up to two digits after the decimal symbol.
Decimal symbol may be "." or ","

The device will promptly response back with a SMS reply.
 Click to Enlarge
Click to Enlarge
Response Example: 
STATUS:
11.07.09 09:08:34
FREQ:102.50MHz
RF Level: 55.1dBuV
MPX Level: 74.1kHz
Left: -11.7dB
Right: -12.3dB
Pilot: 7.5kHz
Stereo
RDS Level: 4.1kHz
PI:824D
REMOTE AUDIO LISTENING:
To initiate Remote Listening type the following text and send it as a SMS to the Device GSM number.
Listen FFF.FF
Where FFF.FF is the frequency to listen to.
For example: "Listen 104.50" or "Listen 91.55".

Important:
Do not include leading zeroes such as "Listen 089.90"
Fill in with trailing zeroes up to two digits after the decimal symbol.
Decimal symbol may be "." or ","

* * * LIVE DEMO IS AVAILABLE * * *

If you would like to try all these features, please contact our Sales Team at sales@devabroadcast.com, and advise the GSM number(s) that you will use for these tests. They need to be assigned to our DEMO units. After receiving your request, our sales team will contact you promptly for further information about the temporary access details.